North Carolina Cottage Food Law
A complete guide to cottage food regulations in North Carolina (NC) — revenue limits, allowed products, labeling, and permitting requirements.
Requirements & Restrictions
Permitting & Registration
- Food Handler Certification
- Not required
- Business License
- Not required
- State Registration
- Required — NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Food and Drug Protection Division — Home Processor Inspection Program
Where You Can Sell
- Online sales (within state)
- From home (direct to consumer)
- Farmers' markets
- Flea markets / curb or tailgate markets
- Roadside stands
- Special events
- Grocery stores / retail stores
- Restaurants
- Distributors
Allowed Products
- Low-risk foods, including but not limited to:
- Baked goods that do not require refrigeration
- Breads
- Cakes
- Pies
- Cookies
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Candies
- Freeze dried candies
- Dried mixes/Spices
- Peanuts
- Honey
- Some liquids (i.e. ice tea, coffee, lemonade, etc.)
- Some sauces (i.e. balsamic dressing, etc.)
- Acid and acidified foods (i.e. pickles, BBQ sauce, etc.)
Prohibited Products
- High-risk foods, including but not limited to:
- Refrigerated or frozen products
- Low-acid canned foods (i.e. jarred fruits, vegetables, etc.)
- Dairy Products
- Seafood products
- Bottled water/Juice Products
- Bakery products with cream or cream cheese fillings
- Cheesecakes
Labeling Requirements
The following information must appear on every cottage food product label sold in North Carolina:
Additional Notes
North Carolina does not have a standalone 'cottage food' statute; home-based food production operates under the NCDA&CS Home Processor Program, which requires a pre-operation kitchen inspection (not a permit). No annual revenue cap is stated. Labeling: when products are sold custom/on-demand directly to consumers from the home or from a secured bulk display case, individual labels are NOT required, but ingredient information must be available upon request. Labels ARE required when products are shipped via postal services, sold at farmers'/flea/tailgate markets for self-service, or sold to retail stores, distributors, or restaurants. Label must include: (1) product name, (2) manufacturer's name and physical address (website cannot substitute), (3) net quantity in oz/lbs and gram equivalent or fl oz and mL equivalent, (4) complete ingredient list in descending order by weight; allergen declaration is also required 'as appropriate' per NCDA&CS guidelines cited by Wake County. No pets or animals may enter the home at any time (violation of 21 CFR 117 Subpart B GMP). Kitchen must be in the primary home kitchen — garage, basement, or separate buildings do not qualify. Acidified/pickled foods require additional federal compliance (21 CFR 114, 108) and product testing. Local/county zoning approval and HOA clearance are also required before operating. Pending rule change: A petition for home bakery rule changes was filed with the NC Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) on or around 1/16/2026; exact effective date of any resulting rule change is not yet established.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the annual revenue limit for cottage food businesses in North Carolina?
- North Carolina does not impose a stated annual revenue limit on cottage food producers.
- Do I need a food handler certification to sell cottage food in North Carolina?
- No. North Carolina does not require a food handler certification for cottage food producers.
- Is a business license required for cottage food sales in North Carolina?
- No. North Carolina does not require a business license to operate a cottage food business.
- Does North Carolina require cottage food producers to register with the state?
- Yes. North Carolina requires cottage food businesses to register with NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Food and Drug Protection Division — Home Processor Inspection Program.
- Where can I legally sell cottage food products in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, cottage food products may be sold at: Online sales (within state), From home (direct to consumer), Farmers' markets, Flea markets / curb or tailgate markets, Roadside stands, Special events, Grocery stores / retail stores, Restaurants, Distributors.
- What allergen labeling standard applies to cottage food in North Carolina?
- North Carolina follows the FDA Big Nine allergen standard for cottage food labeling.
- What products are allowed under North Carolina cottage food law?
- The following product categories are permitted for cottage food production in North Carolina: Low-risk foods, including but not limited to:, Baked goods that do not require refrigeration, Breads, Cakes, Pies, Cookies, Jams, jellies, and preserves, Candies, Freeze dried candies, Dried mixes/Spices, Peanuts, Honey, Some liquids (i.e. ice tea, coffee, lemonade, etc.), Some sauces (i.e. balsamic dressing, etc.), Acid and acidified foods (i.e. pickles, BBQ sauce, etc.).
- What products are prohibited under North Carolina cottage food law?
- The following products may not be sold under North Carolina's cottage food exemption: High-risk foods, including but not limited to:, Refrigerated or frozen products, Low-acid canned foods (i.e. jarred fruits, vegetables, etc.), Dairy Products, Seafood products, Bottled water/Juice Products, Bakery products with cream or cream cheese fillings, Cheesecakes.